Sheila Robertson

Bio

Sheila Robertson has been performing improv, making things up, and generally winging it professionally since the early 1990s. She fell in love with improv comedy at 14 years old watching ComedySportz in Madison. A few years later she was doing four shows a week and honing the craft of “Yes, and…”, DJ skills, and MCing hundreds of shows all over the Midwest, Chicago, NYC and LA. Now she can be seen doing shows, teaching improv Playshops, and making up songs in musical comedy with Monkey Business Institute. Sheila is also a founding member of the all female improv show “Yes Ma’am!” and loves being a professional Fun Haver. “Improv training has influenced my life from a young age. I’ve been able to use the improvisational theme of “Yes, and…” in relationships, business, adventures, and everyday life. It allows me to create quick connections, be present and connected in the moment, think big, take risks, think creatively, and be open to possibilities that I can’t imagine on my own.” ~ Sheila Through her years with Monkey Business Institute, Sheila has taught countless “Playshops” to small groups, large groups, small non-profits, large corporations, school-aged kids, grown ups, and on one occassion to a bunch of rowdy librarians. She has even taught through the Dream Bank’s Initiative to an all female class on the importance of play, dreaming big, and keeping fun in your life. “Teaching the basic concept of improv to beginners is one of my favorite things. I absolutely believe that if people adapt their life to include just a little bit of the concepts used by improvisers to put on a fun show, the world will be a better place.” Sheila has been involved in improvisational comedy for over 26 years. In that time she has performed in thousands of shows, events, pranks, flash mobs, and parties, as well as gigs as a host and a teacher. Outside the comedy world, Sheila is an accomplished sales professional. Working her way up the ranks through the years she uses the listening skills and openness from improv to become the tops sales person in several different fields of sales, both in small local businesses to large national franchises. Also, she is good for an ice breaker in any meeting and hosts her office’s dancy party every Friday at 4pm.

How long have you been a troupe member with MBI?

Since May of 2007

How many years have you taught classes with MBI?

10

Favorites/hobbies?

I love spending time with my awesome husband and amazing son. I love spending time with my HUGE ‘Sconnie family. I love playing with my improv family. I love spending time with my super cool friends. I like guessing games, cards, hiking, dancing, reading, walking my dog, traveling, and laughing really loud.

What’s your favorite part of teaching improv for MBI?

I LOVE teaching corporate Playshops, Sales Training Playshops, and Team Building Playshops. Teaching the basic concept of improv to beginners is one of my favorite things. I absolutely believe that if people adapt their life to include just a little bit of the concepts used by improvisers to put on a fun show (i.e. listening intently, connecting, being agreeable to new ideas, getting comfortable in the unknown, being playful, and being present), the student’s world will be a better place.

Aside from Sheila’s extensive knowledge base, performance skill set and decades of experience in improv, her positive personality and hilarious wit are AWESOME. When Sheila gives feedback, she is thoughtful in her delivery but doesn’t shy away from being honest in order to give you the tools you need to improve. Sheila always made me feel like she had my back and wanted me to succeed. I highly recommend Sheila as a teacher; when you take a class from her, you know you’re working with the best.